Crespi-Notre Dame football rivalry resumes

The Crespi-Notre Dame football showdown has been named one of the nation’s top 100 high school rivalry games by the Great American Rivalry Series, with the last four battles between the Serra League programs all coming down the waning moments.

The series resumes at 7 p.m. on Friday at Crespi, and a capacity crowd is expected in Encino.

Notre Dame (5-3, 1-1) is in a must-win situation after losing a league game last Friday to Alemany. Another loss in the five-team league could cost the Knights a chance to make the Pac-5 Division playoffs.

Crespi was struggling under new coach Troy Thomas before opening league play last week with a 32-14 win over Loyola.

The Celts (3-4, 1-0) lost three nonleague games by a margin of 33 points or more and some were ready to write them off before the upset over Loyola, which had defeated league favorite Alemany in its opener.

Crespi is celebrating homecoming, and the Celts can take a huge step against a Notre Dame team fighting for survival.

“The preseason did what it was supposed to by exposing what we needed to work on both on and off the field,” Thomas said. “The Loyola win was a positive step towards what this team is truly capable of. We have a ways to go, but we’re improving in every aspect and growing as a team.”

Crespi sophomore Jalen Starks, a 6-foot, 230-pound running back, missed three games with an injury before breaking out against Loyola with 180 yards and three touchdowns, including a 63-yarder.

The Celts are a different team with Starks in the lineup, and Notre Dame has every reason to be concerned. The Knights’ defense will be tested, as linebacker Anthony Gutierrez, strong safety Koa Farmer and free safety Daniel Khan all figure to have their hands full.

“Jalen has a solid line in front of him, and he’s getting better every week,” Thomas said.

Richards done at Sylmar

Sylmar coach Chris Richards, suspended the past two games for disciplinary reasons, has been officially terminated in the wake of numerous alleged accusations, including theft from snack-bar funds, charging players for equipment and failing to report accurately details of an alleged scuffle at a practice involving an assistant coach and a player.

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Richards said he met Monday with Sylmar principal James Lee, who told the coach: “Chris, we are letting you go. Legally, we do not have to provide you with anything in writing stating that or the investigation.”

Former assistant John Brazil has taken over coaching duties.

Richards has maintained his innocence.

“I have not had a chance to address the players, and I may never get that chance,” Richards said. “My feelings are mixed. It is what it is.”

Alemany readies for Bishop Amat

In another important Serra League game Alemany (6-2, 1-1) plays at Bishop Amat (5-2, 0-1), traditionally a tough place to win because of Amat’s large home crowds and the pit-like stadium dimensions in La Puente, including end zone seats.

Alemany is trudging along with a patched-up defense because four starters, including All-Southern Section linebacker Quentin Tartabull and standout defensive lineman Kevin Summers, are out. Linebacker Nolan Jackson made his debut against Notre Dame after being injured in the preseason, and coach Dean Herrington said he did “a solid job.”

Connor Wingenroth update

Hart running back Connor Wingenroth has missed two games with a shoulder injury after scoring 13 touchdowns over the first five weeks, and he is doubtful for Friday’s Foothill League game between the Indians (7-0, 2-0) and Saugus (3-4, 0-2) at College of the Canyons.

“Connor is day by day right now. We’ll just have to wait and see,” Hart coach Mike Herrington said. “He says he’s feeling better, but he has not been cleared. He’s a major weapon, so we need him back. It all depends on how he feels.”

Chaminade on the rebound

Following last Friday’s 36-0 Mission League loss at Serra, Chaminade looks to pick up the pieces.

The Eagles (5-2, 1-1), who were averaging 47 points per game before Serra, face visiting St. Paul (1-6, 1-1) and Friday’s contest no longer feels like a sure thing after St. Paul upset Harvard-Westlake last week.

“That loss to Serra was a big reality check on what we now need to do,” Chaminade linebacker Rick Gamboa said. “It’s time to regroup and come together as a team and get ready for what we have in front of us.”

Apsay vs. Wallace passes eye test

In an intriguing Foothill League game Friday, Valencia (5-0, 2-0) is home to Canyon (6-1, 2-0) in a showdown featuring two programs that love to throw the football.

Canyon’s Cade Apsay has passed for 1,823 yards and 17 touchdowns and Valencia’s Jake Wallace has thrown for 2,101 yards and 19 touchdowns.

“We need to keep pushing to get better,” Valencia receiver/defensive back Malik Townsend said. “This Canyon matchup is going to be a tough game.”

Singleton sets Eastside record

Jalen Singleton set an Eastside single-game record with 389 yards passing Friday in a 55-14 win over Lancaster. He completed 25 of 33 attempts with five touchdowns.

Malcolm Goldston had 10 catches for 162 yards and four touchdowns, including a 52-yard punt return.